Australia - National Broadband Network - Overview and Analysis

Synopsis

The decision from the government to launch a $43 billion national FttH broadband network is a clear indication that they believe broadband is essential infrastructure. It fulfils a national purpose as its trans-sector multiplier effect delivers massive social and economic benefits in healthcare, education, energy and the environment. A digital economy requires an open broadband infrastructure, and for that to work it can only be built by a utility (NBN Co). While there certainly are questions regarding the business model and the investment plan, there is widespread support for the visionary plan. During 2010 the business model needs to be developed, which will take into account the socio-economic benefits the infrastructure can deliver to the country. This report also provides an analysis of the progress of the project.

Table of Contents

• 1. Synopsis
  
• 2. Details of the government’s proposal
  
• 3. The business model
  
  • 3.1 Fundamental change to the economy
    
  • 3.2 People issues
    
  • 3.3 Business modelling – the key to success of the NBN
    
• 4. Socio-economic benefits
  
• 5. Regional broadband
  
  • 5.1 Why we started the NBN in the first place?
    
  • 5.2 Where are our regional politicians?
    
  • 5.3 Action plan
    
• 6. NBN debate needs to be broadened
  
• 7. Analyses
  
  • 7.1 Coordination of the various NBN segments (February 2010)
    
  • 7.2 R&D missing out on NBN benefits (February 2010)
    
  • 7.3 NBN passes the first major hiccup (October)
    
  • 7.4 Trans-sector approach now well-accepted (September)
    
  • 7.5 Business getting in charge of the Australian NBN (August)
    
  • 7.6 NBN is moving in the right direction (July)
    
• 8. No policies, just opposition from the Opposition
  
• 9. Related reports